TIM CAHILL has spoken of his delight when best pal Mikel Arteta committed his future to Everton.

The pair have struck up a friendship since they became teammates in January 2005 when the Spaniard arrived at Goodison Park.

They have also developed into two of the Toffees’ key performers over the last five years, and both signed new deals this summer.

Cahill had already signed a new deal until 2014 before Arteta followed his example, penning a new deal which committed himself to Everton until 2015 last week. Arteta’s new deal came after a summer of uncertainty when the play-maker was linked to big-money moves to Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Australian, who played for his country in the World Cup this summer, said: “We have spent a hell of a lot of time together over the summer.

“He is someone who thinks the world of Everton, like myself.

“I was always in his ear and when he put pen to paper I was one of the first people he spoke to and I was over the moon.”

Cahill is also excited about Everton’s game with Wolves on Saturday, which is the Toffees’ first home game of the season and a chance to make amends for their opening day defeat by Blackburn Rovers.

He said: “There is so much anticipation for the home game. It is another hard game but it is exciting just to play and see what happens.”

Earlier this month, Paul Choong, senior vice president of Chang beer producer ThaiBev, declared himself “happy” with Everton’s eighth place finish and indicated that talks would commence on extending the deal with the Blues.

ESPN Star Sports’ coverage of the Premier League is Asia’s most watched sport across the region.

TICKETS for the first home game of the current campaign are selling quickly.

Tickets are available to buy through Everton’s online ticketing service at www.evertonfc.com/eticketing, or can be purchased by phone on 0871 663 1878.

Fans can also visit the box office in person and purchase tickets from our friendly Fan Centre staff at Goodison Park.